Compulsory insurance for globetrotters
If you receive a pension from Switzerland and travel around the world, your insurance obligation in Switzerland generally remains in place as long as you do not establish a new residence abroad.
Important information to consider:
How is compulsory insurance regulated in Switzerland?
Compulsory insurance in Switzerland is linked to the legal domicile of the person concerned. As long as the person do not establish a domicile abroad, they remain essentially subject to insurance obligations in Switzerland.
Does residence remain in Switzerland during a long trip?
According to Art. 23 ZGB the domicile of a person is in which they reside with the intention of settling. However, according to Art. 24 ZGB this remains in effect until the person establishes a new place of domicile. This also applies if the person embarks on a long-term trip abroad or around the world.
Is deregistration from the municipality of residence enough to end your residence in Switzerland?
No, merely notifying the communal authority of one’s departure is not in itself sufficient to terminate one’s residence in Switzerland.
When travelling around the world, is there a way to be exempt from the insurance requirement in Switzerland?
There is no way to be exempt from compulsory insurance under the KVG. This also applies if you have private insurance for your stay abroad.
What happens if a person moves to an EU/EFTA country and receives a pension from Switzerland?
As soon as a person moves their residence to an EU/EFTA country and receives a pension from Switzerland, they are required to submit an application for exemption or a decision from the Swiss insurance authority within three months. To determine whether you are eligible for an exemption, we recommend that you check your individual situation using the link and submit the appropriate application.
For further specific questions concerning your personal situation, please contact your health insurer (basic insurance) directly.